Judy Holliday quotes

Judy Holliday was an iconic American actress and comedian known for her impeccable comedic timing and endearing charm. Born in 1921, Holliday rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s, captivating audiences with her unforgettable performances in films like "Born Yesterday" and "Bells Are Ringing." With her sweet and lovable persona, she became a beloved figure in Hollywood's golden era. Holliday's versatile talent led to numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actress. Though her career was tragically cut short due to her untimely death in 1965, Judy Holliday's legacy lives on. Her unique blend of wit and vulnerability solidified her as one of the greatest comedic actresses of all time. Beyond her film success, Holliday also showcased her incredible singing abilities on Broadway, further cementing her status as a multifaceted entertainer. Today, Judy Holliday's work continues to inspire new generations of performers. Her timeless performances, witty dialogue delivery, and relatable characters resonate with audiences even today. As a celebrated actress, comedian, and singer, Judy Holliday's impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable, securing her place among the greats.

I've always loved words. I ate up all the books I could get my hands on, and when I couldn't get books, I read candy wrappers and labels on cereal and toothpaste boxes.

- Judy Holliday

I hated the whole idea of being an actress. I used to throw up before every performance and cry afterward.

- Judy Holliday

It meant as much to me as winning the Oscar.

- Judy Holliday

He didn't maintain my illusion of myself, he gave me an illusion of myself. Before I met him, I never thought of myself as an actress. Boy, he sidetracked me in a great way!

- Judy Holliday

People have a hard time making me dress up to look like a classy gal.

- Judy Holliday

Nobody can give a good performance unless the authors and composers have written a good part, a fact which is often overlooked.

- Judy Holliday

When they thought of me, they always remembered the vacuous Billie Dawn. It was as simple as that.

- Judy Holliday

Lovers have a right to betray you... friends don't.

- Judy Holliday

We gained a great deal of prestige, but not much money. We liked to work so much we couldn't hide it and the club owners paid us accordingly.

- Judy Holliday

I'm a born and bred New Yorker. I belong here. Everytime I leave it's like losing a leg.

- Judy Holliday

I am not an 'instant' actor... to really do anything, I've got to try it five or six or a dozen times.

- Judy Holliday

It's tough when take 1 is technically okay and take 2 has better acting. Out here (Hollywood) they print the first one. That's the one where we all hit the mark on the floor and who cares about the acting.

- Judy Holliday

I could talk about him all day. He's one of the most wonderful things that ever happened to me.

- Judy Holliday

I was bargaining for time away from Hollywood, and Columbia was bargaining for money. I got what I wanted and they got what they wanted. They knew I was so anxious to do Born Yesterday that I'd have done it for a dollar. They gave me the next best thing.

- Judy Holliday

They weren't interested in entertainment. They were tough. I learned one trick, which was to be quieter than they were until they had to look at you. It took a lot of agressiveness.

- Judy Holliday

I think Billie is the kind of girl who would let her hips swing loose.

- Judy Holliday

I am not a member of any organization listed by the Attorney General as subversive. In any instance where I lent my name in the past, it was certainly without knowledge that such an organization was subversive. I have always been essentially and foremost an American.

- Judy Holliday

I get very nervous whenever I think about it. I've never done a serious play, and I have such awe of the woman - she's really my only idol. It's going to be a big stretch - certain people come out on stage and your face muscles automatically tense and you get ready to smile.

- Judy Holliday

You have to be smart to play a dumb blonde over and over again and keep the audience's attention without extraordinary physical equipment.

- Judy Holliday

We were wavering around like a ship without a sail.

- Judy Holliday

The only actress they didn't test was Garbo. Must have been her accent.

- Judy Holliday

Now with all this movie business, everybody's coming around wanting to know everything that's happened since I was four. It's like going to an analyst.

- Judy Holliday

Acting is a very limited form of expression and those who take it seriously are very limited people. I take it seriously.

- Judy Holliday

Of course I work hard. Why shouldn't I? Who am I to think I should get things the easy way?

- Judy Holliday

I thought I was learning about show business. The more painful it was, the more important I thought the experience must be. Hating it, I convinced myself it must be invaluable.

- Judy Holliday

I suppose that if I could have quit, I would have, because in those days I never wanted to be an actress, the acting was something to do while I waited for a chance to study writing and directing. But I guess I was just meant to be an actress. Because, here I am.

- Judy Holliday

I want a part where I can use my own hair, my own voice, and maybe even be literate.

- Judy Holliday

If you can handle a nightclub audience successfully, you can handle anything.

- Judy Holliday

I'm trying to eliminate every vestige of my own personality, style, approach and get into somebody else's skin. Sometimes I feel I've accomplished it. But when I don't, I'm nobody at all, having left myself at home.

- Judy Holliday